ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND METHOD

Abstract

 The present invention provides an electronic device (1, 21, 41) for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data. The device comprises a movable antenna (2, 22, 42), which is controllably movable in at least one direction (4, 5, 24), and a calibration controller (3, 23), which is configured to control in a calibration phase the movable antenna (2, 22, 42) to move to a plurality of different positions and to measure the signal strength (8, 28) of a received signal (7, 27) at the different positions. Further, after moving the movable antenna (2, 22, 42) to the plurality of different positions the calibration controller (3, 23) is further configured to position in a data communication phase the movable antenna (2, 22, 42) at the position with the highest measured signal strength (8, 28). The present invention further provides a corresponding method.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to an electronic device for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data and a respective method.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Although applicable to any system that uses wireless data transmission, the present patent application will mainly be described in conjunction with consumer electronic devices like e.g. TV sets, set-top boxes, printers, scanners and the like.

[0003] Modern electronic consumer devices communicate digital data over different channels, like e.g. wired networks or wireless networks. Especially in wireless data transmission systems, like e.g. Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, the quality of signal reception depends on a plurality of different factors, which are mostly external to the respective device. The consumer devices usually comprise an internal antenna, which is fixed to a certain position. Further, the devices cannot influence the external factors, which can further change continually. Therefore, with the changing external factors e.g. the speed of data transmission, and the stability of the connection also change continuously.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need for an improved wireless data transmission in consumer devices.

SUMMARY

[0005] The present invention provides an electronic device with the features of claim 1 and a method with the features of claim 8.

[0006] Accordingly, an electronic device for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data comprises a movable antenna, which is controllably movable in at least one direction, and a calibration controller, which is configured to control in a calibration phase the antenna to move to a plurality of different positions and to measure the signal strength of a received signal at the different positions. Further, after moving the antenna to the plurality of different positions the calibration controller is further configured to position in a data communication phase the antenna at the position with the highest measured signal strength.

[0007] Further, a method for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data comprises controlling in a calibration phase a movable antenna, which is controllably movable in at least one direction, to move to a plurality of different positions and to measure the signal strength of a received signal at the different positions, and positioning in a data communication phase the antenna at the position with the highest measured signal strength after moving the antenna to the plurality of different positions.

[0008] In the frequency range of wireless data transmissions in consumer devices, e.g. via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, movements of the antenna in the range of millimeters or centimeters can have a huge impact on the signal quality and therefore on the speed of data transmission, and the stability of the connection.

[0009] If a device comprises a fixed antenna, the user can e.g. move the device, if it is a movable device, to improve the signal reception in the device. However, this is only practical in small devices, like e.g. Tablet-PCs or the like. If the device is e.g. a smart TV set with a large screen, like e.g. a 65 inch screen, it is not practical any more to move the TV set to improve the signal quality.

[0010] The present invention therefore parts from the base that the electronic consumer device should not be moved by the user to improve the signal quality. Instead, the present patent application provides the electronic device with a movable antenna. That means, that the antenna can be moved inside of e.g. a housing of the electronic device while the electronic device is in use. This movement of the antenna is controlled by the calibration controller according to the present invention.

[0011] The calibration controller in a calibration phase moves the antenna to a plurality of different positions. After moving the antenna to the plurality of positions, the calibration controller will then determine the position with the best signal strength and move the antenna to that position for data transmission in a data transmission phase. It is understood, that during the calibration phase data communication can already be actively performed. The difference will only lay in the varying signal strength.

[0012] The signal strength can e.g. be measured by the calibration controller. As an alternative, the signal processing elements in the electronic device can provide the calibration controller with the signal strength value.

[0013] The present invention therefore allows optimizing wireless data transmissions in electronic devices by moving the antenna of the electronic device to the optimal position within the movement limits of the antenna. The present invention therefore makes obsolete e.g. external antennas or the like.

[0014] Further embodiments of the present invention are subject of the further subclaims and of the following description, referring to the drawings.

[0015] In one embodiment, the calibration controller can be configured to permanently monitor the signal strength of the received signal, and if the monitored signal strength is lower than a predetermined threshold below the most recent signal strength at the position with the highest measured signal strength, repeat the calibration phase and position the antenna at the new position with the highest measured signal strength. This means that the calibration controller will permanently monitor the signal strength of the received signal and perform a re-calibration if the signal strength drops below the threshold value. During re-calibration the signal transmission can continue. There is no need to interrupt the signal transmission while the antenna moves. This allows the calibration controller to take into account a changing environment and adapt the antenna position during normal operation of the electronic device.

[0016] Further, a time out can be defined in the calibration controller. The calibration controller can e.g. only perform a re-calibration, if the signal strength drops below the threshold value for a time as long as the time out.

[0017] In one embodiment, the movable antenna can comprise a movable mechanical support and an antenna element, which is coupled to the movable mechanical support. The antenna element can e.g. be mechanically fixed to the mechanical support by soldering, gluing, clamping or the like. At the same time the electric connection of the antenna element can be performed via the mechanical support, i.e. via traces or the like. As an alternative, the antenna element can be contacted via a cable.

[0018] The antenna element can e.g. be a surface mounted antenna, a PCB antenna, which is e.g. formed of copper traces on a substrate, or any other kind of antenna.

[0019] In one embodiment, the mechanical support can comprise an electro mechanic drive, which is configured to translatably move the mechanical support in the at least two directions. An electro mechanic drive is very flexible and can be easily controlled.

[0020] In one embodiment, the electro mechanic drive can comprise for every direction of movement a linear electric motor and/or a rotating electric motor with a spindle mechanic. Linear electric motors usually provide a mechanical support the moving object, in this case the antenna element. Therefore, with linear electric motors the mechanical structure can be provided with reduced complexity. The use of a rotating electric motor with a spindle mechanic provides a more flexible mechanic arrangement.

[0021] It is understood, that for different directions of movement, which can e.g. be perpendicular to each other, a separate motor can be provided. The different driving units, e.g. the linear electric motors, can then be stacked on top of each other. The electro mechanic drive can e.g. form a kind of x-y cross table.

[0022] In one embodiment, the electro mechanic drive can comprise a movement guide with a spirally shaped opening and is configured to move the antenna element in two axis by rotating the mechanical support with the antenna element being placed in the spirally shaped opening. The movement guide can also be called a sliding block guide, since a block, which supports the antenna element moves in the spirally shaped opening. This allows moving the antenna in a plane with only the rotation of a single motor.

[0023] In other embodiments, the electro mechanic drive can comprise MEMS drives or any other electromechanical arrangement, which can move the antenna element in at least one direction.

[0024] In one embodiment, in the calibration phase or during re-calibration the calibration controller can be configured to move the antenna to the maximum position in every one of the directions and record the signal strength for a plurality of positions between the maximum positions. Further, the calibration controller can be configured to select the position of the antenna in the communication phase based on the recorded signal strengths. The controller can e.g. record the signal strengths in an array, where the array index refers to a specific position, i.e. every position is identified by a number, which is equal to the index of the respective cell/position of the array. Identifying the position with the highest signal strength can then simply be performed by identifying the array index with the highest recorded value.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] For a more complete understanding of the present invention and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments which are specified in the schematic figures of the drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of an electronic device according to the present invention;

Fig. 2 shows a block diagram of another embodiment of an electronic device according to the present invention;

Fig. 3 shows a block diagram of another embodiment of an electronic device according to the present invention in a top view;

Fig. 4 shows a block diagram of the embodiment of an electronic device of Fig. 3 in a side view; and

Fig. 5 shows a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method according to the present invention.

[0026] In the figures like reference signs denote like elements unless stated otherwise.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The electronic device 1 of Fig. 1 comprises a movable antenna 2, which is connected to the calibration controller 3. The electronic device 1 further comprises a signal processing unit 9, which performs the regular signal processing for receiving wireless signals 7 in and transmitting wireless signals from the electronic device 1.

[0028] The movable antenna 2 is movable in two directions 4, 5, which are perpendicular to each other. The movement of the antenna 2 can be controlled via control commands 6, which are generated by the calibration controller 3. Further, not shown are possible position sensors, which can sense the position of the movable antenna 2 and provide respective measurement values to the calibration controller 3. It is understood, that such position sensors are just optional and that a drive system can be used, which comprises inherent positioning means. Such a drive system can e.g. use stepper motors, where the movement per step is known.

[0029] The calibration controller 3 is further configured to evaluate the signal strength 8, also called RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) of the received wireless signal 7. The movable antenna 2 can e.g. comprise signal processing elements, which determine the signal strength 8. As an alternative, the calibration controller 3 can determine the signal strength 8 based on the received signal 7, which can be provided by the movable antenna 2. As a further alternative, as shown in Fig. 2, the signal processing unit 9 can provide the calibration controller 3 with the signal strength 8.

[0030] In a calibration mode, the calibration controller 3 will move the movable antenna 2 into a plurality of different positions within the range of movement of the movable antenna 2. The calibration controller 3 can e.g. perform a line-wise or column-wise scanning movement with the movable antenna 2. At the same time, the calibration controller 3 will record the signal strengths 8 for the different positions of the movable antenna 2. Finally, after performing the full scan, i.e. after moving the movable antenna 2 to all required positions, the calibration controller 3 will determine the position of the movable antenna 2, at which the signal strength 8 is the highest. If the signal strength 8 is the highest at a certain position the quality and speed of the signal transmission will also be best at the respective position. Therefore, the calibration controller 3 will move the movable antenna 2 into the respective position for regular operation of the electronic device 1.

[0031] In the calibration phase, i.e. while the calibration controller 3 moves the movable antenna 2, the signal processing unit 9 can already start normal operation. The only difference to the normal operation or communication mode is that the signal strength 8 of the received signal 7 will vary at the signal processing unit 9. However, signal processing units 9 are usually configured to handle varying signal strengths, since this also happens in ordinary systems.

[0032] As an option, in the normal operation mode of the electronic device 1, the calibration controller 3 will not permanently move the movable antenna 2. Instead, the calibration controller 3 can optionally monitor the signal strength 8 in the normal operation mode, while the signal processing unit 9 performs the respective signal transmissions. Only if the signal strength drops below a predetermined threshold, the calibration controller 3 repeats the calibration, i.e. the moving of the movable antenna 2, the determining of the position of the highest signal strength and the final positioning. The threshold can e.g. be determined by subtracting a given value from the last determined maximum signal strength 8.

[0033] Figs. 2 - 4 show exemplary embodiments of mechanical arrangements for moving the movable antenna 2.

[0034] The electronic device 21 of Fig. 2 comprises a mechanical arrangement, which works like an x-y cross table. The arrangement comprises two perpendicular axis and an axis movement unit 37, 38 for every axis. Every axis movement unit 37, 38 comprises an electric motor 30, 32, which is functionally connected to a threaded rod 31, 32.

[0035] On the threaded rods 31 a slide 34 is shown as an example of how to connect the threaded rod 31 to the moving element, in this case slide 34 of the antenna element 35. The axis movement unit 38 can be connected to the axis movement unit 37 in a similar way, i.e. one element of the axis movement unit 38 can comprise a thread, into which the threaded rod 33 of the axis movement unit 37 can be inserted. The electric motors 30 and 32 are controlled by the calibration controller 23, which generates respective control commands 26.

[0036] In Fig. 2 the signal processing unit 29 is connected via a cable 36 to the antenna element 35. The signal processing unit 29 evaluates the received wireless signal 27 and provides the calibration controller 23 with the respective signal strength 28.

[0037] Fig. 3 shows a top view of an alternate mechanical arrangement for moving the antenna element 43. In Fig. 3 a support plate 44 comprises a spiral-shaped guide 45. The spiral-shaped guide 45 is provided as a recess in the support plate 44. A slide 47 (see Fig. 4), which protrudes through the spiral-shaped guide 45 together with the antenna element 43 forms the movable antenna 42.

[0038] In Fig. 4 it can be seen that the slide 47 is positioned on a guide rod 48, which has no thread. Instead the slide 47 can freely glide on the guide rod 48. An electric motor 46 rotates the guide rod 48, such that the part of the slide 47 that protrudes through the support plate 44 will be guided by the spiral-shaped guide 45. That means that with every turn of the guide rod 48, the slide 47 will move to the next winding of the spiral-shaped guide 45. Therefore, depending on the direction of rotation of the guide rod 48, the antenna element 43 will move outwards or inwards.

[0039] The arrangement of Figs. 3 and 4 can provide a two dimensional movement of the antenna element 43 with only one electric motor 46.

[0040] It is understood, that the mechanical arrangements of Figs. 2 to 4 are just exemplary arrangements. Alternative arrangements can e.g. comprise a third direction of movement, i.e. elevation, or a rotation of the antenna element.

[0041] Fig. 5 shows a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data with an electronic device 1, 21, 41.

[0042] The method comprises controlling S1 in a calibration phase a movable antenna 2, 22, 42, which is controllably movable in at least one direction 4, 5, 24. The controlling comprises moving the antenna 2, 22, 42 to a plurality of different positions and to measure the signal strength 8, 28 of a received signal 7, 27 at the different positions.

[0043] Further in a data communication phase the movable antenna 2, 22, 42 is positioned at the position with the highest measured signal strength 8, 28 after moving the movable antenna 2, 22, 42 to the plurality of different positions.

[0044] In the calibration phase the movable antenna 2, 22, 42 can e.g. be moved to the maximum position in every one of the directions 4, 5, 24. Further, the signal strength 8, 28 can be recorded for a plurality of positions between the maximum positions. E.g. a predetermined distance can be given for the different positions at which the signal strength 8, 28 is determined.

[0045] The position of the movable antenna 2, 22, 42 in the communication phase, also normal operation phase, is then selected based on the recorded signal strengths 8, 28, especially on the maximum signal strength 8, 28.

[0046] The method can further comprise permanently monitoring the signal strength 8, 28 of the received signal 7, 27, i.e. also during a normal operation mode of the electronic device 1, 21, 41. If the monitored signal strength 8, 28 is lower than or drops below a predetermined threshold below the most recent signal strength 8, 28 at the position with the highest measured signal strength 8, 28, the steps of controlling and positioning can be repeated. That means, that the calibration of the movable antenna 2, 22, 42 is repeated.

[0047] When moving the movable antenna 2, 22, 42 a movable mechanical support 34, 47 can e.g. be moved, to which an antenna element 35, 43 is coupled. The mechanical support 34, 47 can e.g. be moved translatably or rotatably by an electro mechanic drive in the at least two directions 4, 5, 24.

[0048] In one example, the electro mechanic drive can be provided for every direction 4, 5, 24 of movement with a linear electric motor 30, 32, 46 and/or a rotating electric motor 30, 32, 46 with a spindle mechanic.

[0049] For example the electro mechanic drive can be provided with a movement guide 44 with a spirally shaped opening 45. The antenna element 35, 43 can then be moved in two axis by rotating the mechanical support 34, 47 with the antenna element 35, 43 being placed in the spirally shaped opening 45.

[0050] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations exist. It should be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing summary and detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Generally, this application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein.

[0051] The present invention provides an electronic device for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data. The device comprises a movable antenna, which is controllably movable in at least one direction, and a calibration controller, which is configured to control in a calibration phase the movable antenna to move to a plurality of different positions and to measure the signal strength of a received signal at the different positions. Further, after moving the movable antenna to the plurality of different positions the calibration controller is further configured to position in a data communication phase the movable antenna at the position with the highest measured signal strength. The present invention further provides a corresponding method.

List of reference signs

[0052] 

1, 21, 41

electronic device

2, 22, 42

movable antenna

3, 23

calibration controller

4, 5, 24

direction

6, 26

control command

7, 27

received signal

8, 28

signal strength

9, 29

signal processing unit

30, 32, 46

electric motor

31, 33

threaded rod

34,47

slide

35, 43

antenna element

36

cable

37, 38

axis movement unit

44

support plate

45

spiral guide

48

guide rod

S1, S2

method steps

Claims

1. Electronic device (1, 21, 41) for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data, the device comprising:

a movable antenna (2, 22, 42), which is controllably movable in at least one direction (4, 5, 24), and

a calibration controller (3, 23), which is configured to control in a calibration phase the movable antenna (2, 22, 42) to move to a plurality of different positions and to measure the signal strength (8, 28) of a received signal (7, 27) at the different positions,

wherein after moving the movable antenna (2, 22, 42) to the plurality of different positions the calibration controller (3, 23) is further configured to position in a data communication phase the movable antenna (2, 22, 42) at the position with the highest measured signal strength (8, 28).

2. Electronic device (1, 21, 41) according to claim 1, wherein the calibration controller (3, 23) is configured to permanently monitor the signal strength of the received signal (7, 27), and if the monitored signal strength (8, 28) is lower than a predetermined threshold below the most recent signal strength (8, 28) at the position with the highest measured signal strength (8, 28), repeat the calibration phase and position the movable antenna (2, 22, 42) at the new position with the highest measured signal strength (8, 28).

3. Electronic device (1, 21, 41) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the movable antenna (2, 22, 42) comprises a movable mechanical support (34, 47) and an antenna element (35, 43), which is coupled to the movable mechanical support (34, 47).

4. Electronic device (1, 21, 41) according claim 3, wherein the mechanical support (34, 47) comprises an electro mechanic drive, which is configured to translatable move the mechanical support (34, 47) in the at least two directions (4, 5, 24).

5. Electronic device (1, 21, 41) according claim 4, wherein the electro mechanic drive comprises for every direction (4, 5, 24) of movement a linear electric motor (30, 32, 46) and/or a rotating electric motor (30, 32, 46) with a spindle mechanic.

6. Electronic device (1, 21, 41) according claim 4, wherein the electro mechanic drive comprises a movement guide (44) with a spirally shaped opening (45) and is configured to move the antenna element (35, 43) in two axis by rotating the mechanical support (34, 47) with the antenna element (35, 43) being placed in the spirally shaped opening (45).

7. Electronic device (1, 21, 41) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the calibration phase the calibration controller (3, 23) is configured to move the movable antenna (2, 22, 42) to the maximum position in every one of the directions (4, 5, 24) and record the signal strength (8, 28) for a plurality of positions between the maximum positions, and wherein the calibration controller (3, 23) is configured to select the position of the movable antenna (2, 22, 42) in the communication phase based on the recorded signal strengths (8, 28).

8. Method for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data, the method comprising:

controlling (S1) in a calibration phase a movable antenna (2, 22, 42), which is controllably movable in at least one direction (4, 5, 24), to move to a plurality of different positions and to measure the signal strength (8, 28) of a received signal (7, 27) at the different positions, and

positioning (S2) in a data communication phase the movable antenna (2, 22, 42) at the position with the highest measured signal strength (8, 28) after moving the movable antenna (2, 22, 42) to the plurality of different positions.

9. Method according to claim 8, further comprising permanently monitoring the signal strength (8, 28) of the received signal (7, 27),
wherein if the monitored signal strength (8, 28) is lower than a predetermined threshold below the most recent signal strength (8, 28) at the position with the highest measured signal strength (8, 28), the steps of controlling and positioning are repeated.

10. Method according to any one of the previous claims 8 and 9, wherein when moving the movable antenna (2, 22, 42) a movable mechanical support (34, 47) is moved, to which an antenna element (35, 43) is coupled.

11. Method according claim 10, wherein the mechanical support (34, 47) is moved translatable by an electro mechanic drive in the at least two directions (4, 5, 24).

12. Method according claim 11, wherein the electro mechanic drive is provided for every direction (4, 5, 24) of movement with a linear electric motor (30, 32, 46) and/or a rotating electric motor (30, 32, 46) with a spindle mechanic.

13. Method according claim 11, wherein the electro mechanic drive is provided with a movement guide (44) with a spirally shaped opening (45) and the antenna element (35, 43) is moved in two axis by rotating the mechanical support (34, 47) with the antenna element (35, 43) being placed in the spirally shaped opening (45).

14. Method according to any one of the preceding claims 8 to 13, wherein in the calibration phase the movable antenna (2, 22, 42) is moved to the maximum position in every one of the directions (4, 5, 24) and the signal strength (8, 28) is recorded for a plurality of positions between the maximum positions, and
wherein the position of the movable antenna (2, 22, 42) in the communication phase is selected based on the recorded signal strengths (8, 28).

Drawing